Young Handlers

This course is a unique course, designed especially for young handlers between the ages of 8 and 16. It's open to dogs of any age, from about six months and up (very young pups would usually be better suited to doing the Puppy Course first). Through Katie's patient and friendly tutoring, young handlers will be taught the skills, and given the confidence, to train their own dogs. Throughout her years as a dog trainer, Katie has always encouraged children to be involved in the training of their family pet. Katie has a huge affinity with children and the old adage of "Never work with children and animals" certainly doesn't ring true for her! She wants to be able to give young handlers the time and attention they deserve, so is now offering this unique and comprehensive course for children between the ages of 8 and 16. The training manual that Katie has written for this course (which she gives out on the first week) is also especially written with young handlers in mind.

The Young Handler Course encompasses all the basics of obedience training, as well as many vital socialisation aspects. It also covers a lot on being a responsible dog owner. Once the dogs have been taught the three basic positions, SIT, DOWN and STAND, these invaluable skills can be used when grooming, teeth cleaning, nail clipping, veterinary visits etc. Hygiene, cleanliness, inspection and handling are also modules within our Puppy, Beginner and Young Handler courses. As well as learning how to teach their dogs obedience skills, the young handlers will also learn some fun, constructive games to play with their dogs, such as "Find the Treat" the "Retrieve" and the "Send-away Around Chairs".

Katie's own daughters, Chloe and Georgie (aged 15 & 13) have been coming along to Katie's dog training classes for years, so have a lot of experience themselves in dog training (they also both train and handle their own two Border Collies regularly). They will also be on hand during the Young Handler's course to help out and give any individual attention, should any younger children need it.

Many children that have attended Katie's classes have gone on to win top three placements in local dog shows in the "Best Child Handler" category. At our Fun Day and Novelty Dog Show in the summer of 2007, one of the categories was "Best Child Handler". There was a very high standard and Gaby Hyde was the overall winner. That same summer, Gaby also went on to win "Best Child Handler" at the Margaret Green annual Fun Day and Novelty Dog Show at Church Knowle. She has since trained her dogs, Porsha and Bentley, with us to Gold Level standard in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme.

Gaby receiving her rosette for First Place